Nursing Accreditation Explained
Accreditation is a quality assurance process that evaluates whether a college or university meets recognized academic and administrative standards. For nursing programs, accreditation is more important than in most other fields because it directly affects NCLEX licensure eligibility and employer recognition.
This page explains how accreditation applies to nursing degrees and what to verify before enrolling.
Quick Answers
Why is accreditation important for nursing programs?
Accreditation helps confirm that a college meets recognized standards. For nursing, programmatic accreditation (CCNE or ACEN) can affect NCLEX exam eligibility, employer recognition, and ability to pursue graduate education.
What is the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation?
Institutional accreditation applies to the entire college or university. Programmatic accreditation (CCNE or ACEN) applies specifically to the nursing program and evaluates clinical training, curriculum, and outcomes.
Are online nursing programs accredited?
Online programs should hold the same institutional and programmatic accreditation as campus-based programs. Delivery format does not change accreditation requirements.
Do I need programmatic accreditation?
For nursing, yes. Unlike many other fields where programmatic accreditation is optional, CCNE or ACEN accreditation is important for NCLEX eligibility, graduate school admission, and many employers.
How do I verify a school’s accreditation?
Check the school’s website for accreditation disclosures. Verify CCNE accreditation at ccneaccreditation.org and ACEN accreditation at acenursing.org.
At a Glance
At a Glance
- Primary check: Institutional accreditation (applies to entire school)
- Nursing-specific: CCNE or ACEN programmatic accreditation
- Why it matters: Affects NCLEX eligibility, transfer credits, graduate admissions
- Online programs: Same accreditation standards as campus programs
- Verification: ccneaccreditation.org and acenursing.org
For an overview of degree formats and program options, start with the Nursing Program Guide.
Institutional accreditation explained
Institutional accreditation applies to the entire college or university. This is the primary form of accreditation students should verify.
What institutional accreditation typically reviews
| Area Reviewed | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Academic governance | Oversight, faculty qualifications, hiring |
| Curriculum | Course review processes, learning outcomes |
| Student services | Academic support, advising, tutoring |
| Financial stability | Administrative operations, sustainability |
Why institutional accreditation matters
If a school lacks recognized institutional accreditation, credits earned there may not transfer and financial aid eligibility may be limited.
To understand how accreditation fits into broader program evaluation, compare it alongside admissions requirements and Nursing Curriculum.
Programmatic accreditation for nursing
Unlike many other fields, nursing programmatic accreditation is practically essential. The two main nursing accreditors are:
CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
- Accredits baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs
- Affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Widely recognized by employers and graduate schools
ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
- Accredits practical nursing, associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs
- Covers a broader range of degree levels including ADN programs
- Common accreditor for community college nursing programs
What programmatic accreditation evaluates
- Clinical training quality and supervised hour requirements
- Faculty credentials and nurse educator qualifications
- NCLEX pass rates and student outcomes
- Curriculum alignment with professional standards
- Continuous improvement processes
Online and accelerated programs
Accreditation standards apply equally to online, accelerated, and campus-based programs. Delivery format does not change the requirement for recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation.
What to confirm for different formats
When comparing formats, confirm that:
- Online programs are accredited under the same institution as campus programs
- Accelerated formats do not waive core academic requirements
- Credits earned online appear the same on transcripts
- Clinical hour requirements meet the same standards
Related format pages:
How accreditation affects transfer credits
Accreditation plays a major role in whether credits transfer between institutions. Schools often accept transfer credits only from institutions with recognized accreditation. For nursing, both institutional and programmatic accreditation may be evaluated during transfer credit review.